Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake! It’s like a trip to the sunny shores of Greece right in your kitchen! I love how this dish brings together fresh flavors of juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and a burst of vibrant veggies, all topped with creamy feta. Seriously, it’s not just healthy; it’s packed with flavor! Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that? Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want a delicious meal that feels like a treat, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is definitely the way to go!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for that juicy pop
- 1 onion, diced for a sweet undertone
- 2 cloves garlic, minced—trust me, it adds depth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano for that Mediterranean flair
- 1 teaspoon dried basil to enhance the flavors
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we want it seasoned just right
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled for that creamy finish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil to bring it all together
How to Prepare Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, sliced zucchinis, chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic. It’s like a colorful veggie party in there!
- Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss to make sure those flavors mingle beautifully.
- Next, drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss again until everything is well coated. This is where the magic happens!
- Transfer your vibrant mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the crumbled feta cheese, which will melt into creamy goodness.
- Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells absolutely divine!
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthy dish that’s low in calories but high in flavor!
- Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a great way to sneak in some nutrients.
- Super simple to prepare with just one pan—less mess, more time to enjoy!
- The creamy feta adds a delicious richness that ties everything together.
- Perfect for meal prep—enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is packed with goodness! You’ll find approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat (with 4g saturated), and a hearty 30g of protein. Plus, it offers 20g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced meal!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip on seasoning—taste as you go! If you like a little kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes. Also, make sure to cut your veggies into similar sizes for even cooking. And remember, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving allows those flavors to really meld together. Enjoy every bite!
Variations on Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Feeling adventurous? Let’s mix things up! You can swap the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a plant-based twist. Want to add more color? Try tossing in some vibrant carrots or bell peppers in different shades. For a heartier dish, throw in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and texture. And if you love a bit of spice, why not add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika? The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook it—nobody wants rubbery chicken!
FAQ about Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
What can I use instead of feta cheese? If feta isn’t your thing, you can try goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese for a lighter option. They’ll add a lovely creaminess too.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to experiment with veggies like spinach, eggplant, or even broccoli. The more, the merrier!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to be sure!
Is this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake gluten-free? Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: 7 Flavorful Reasons to Try
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A healthy and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake dish.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, zucchinis, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, healthy chicken recipe, baked zucchini dish